Practicum Policies and Procedures

Basic Policies

Students typically complete their first practicum at the University Counseling Service (UCS), under course number 07P:434. Beginning practicum placements are arranged by counseling psychology faculty. Subsequent practica (called "advanced") may be completed at a variety of approved sites, under course number 07P:453. Students are responsible for applying for advanced practicum placements.

Practicum sites must be approved by the counseling psychology faculty. Students interested in an unapproved site may ask the counseling psychology faculty to consider the site for approval, but may not use the site until it has been approved. Sites may be approved for one individual placement, rather than as a regular approved site for the program. The process for obtaining faculty approval for such "specialized" placements is outlined in the student handbook, which is available online.

Sites beyond a reasonable driving distance from Iowa City may be used only by students who have completed three practica, and then only if the site is approved. Since students at such sites cannot typically attend the practicum seminar, they must (when seeking site approval) show that they will have an experience equivalent to the seminar. This could take the form of participation in staff development sessions, supervised independent readings, or some other experience. Sites are required to provide appropriate supervision, and to require no more than 12 bhours per week on-site from each student.

The University provides liability insurance for all students in practicum. Registration is required for liability coverage to be in effect. Thus, students with multi-semester placements who plan to work during semester breaks must be given an incomplete until the beginning of the next term. Arrangements for the incomplete should be made with the practicum instructor early in the semester. The University requires that all students completing practicum off campus (meaning the site has no affiliation with the University or University Hospitals and Clinics) sign an "affiliation agreement," or contract, with the site. The Practicum Coordinator will initiate this process before training begins. Students completing practicum at certain selected sites will be required to have a background check conducted. The cost of the background check must be paid for by the student. The current cost as of Fall 2007 is $100.

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